What's the Weather like in Skanes in October
Temperature
October isn't quite true summer in Skanes. While the Sahel generally remains warm and pleasant, temperatures are dropping, rainfall averages are higher, and there are far fewer sunshine hours. With increased wind speeds in coastal areas, it will feel even cooler in the evenings. While it's still warm enough to do a little sunbathing and to appreciate the beaches, most visitors at this time prefer to spend their time sightseeing and making the most of outdoor activities prohibited by the extreme temperatures the rest of the summer.
October in Skanes sees average temperatures of 22C and highs of 26C. It's still quite hot, but slightly more clement in comparison with preceding months as there is a significant drop in temperature. With afternoon sea breezes and relatively moderate humidity levels (75%), it should feel hot but quite pleasant. The highest temperature ever recorded in the area at this time is 40C. While temperatures that high are unusual at this time of year, visitors should expect several days in the early part of the month, before summer really begins to fade into winter, to exceed 30C. Overnight temperatures are still quite warm, and rarely drop far below 17C. Sea temperatures also fall to around 17C and despite the heat, there are far fewer sunshine hours in October than preceding months: on average around four per day, so while sunbathing is still possible, clearly this is not the best time for a holiday centred entirely round the beach.
It's a similar story in the north of Tunisia, with average temperatures in Tunis of 21C and highs of 26C. Though, the mountainous geography and more Mediterranean northern climate does mean that Tunis receives far more rainfall than Skanes: around 60mm over 9 days in October. In the south, closer to the Sahara, it's likely to be a little hotter but temperatures are still cooler as the seasons change. Tataouine, for example, sees average temperatures of just 22C, with highs of 28C and much more significant overnight lows when the temperature often falls below 16C. Characteristic of the Sahara, however, the area does receive much less rainfall: only around 16mm over three days.
October sees the return of higher levels of precipitation, with rainfall averages of around 50mm over five days in the month. Showers are unlikely to be heavy or prolonged, however, and more usually rainfall takes the form of a few hours of light drizzle. At this time, wind speeds do begin to pick up slightly and coastal areas may be quite windy; the maximum sustained wind speed recorded at this time of year reached 78 km/h.
Skanes Hotels for October
Dessole Saadia Resort is a mid-range hotel, with extensive gardens and outdoor space, just outside of the town centre. There are three restaurants, which serve a range of Tunisian and international cuisine. The resort has two outdoor and one indoor pool, for the off-season months. There are a range of sports and other activities available, including tennis and mini golf.
The four star Hotel Kuriat Palace is more of a mid-range choice, though the prices are high during the summer. It's set in lovely gardens, on a private beach. The rooms and facilities are a little old fashioned, but if you're looking for a base in the off season to explore the surrounding area, this is a good choice. The children's club is excellent, and the pool area is also very well maintained.
Bars and Restaurants
Most of the restaurants in Skanes are confined to the hotels. So if you're looking for something a bit different, you'd be well advised to head into Monastir itself.
Ali's Bar is very popular with tourists and serves a range of beers, wine and cocktails. It has a very friendly, lively atmosphere and really gets going on the weekends.
L'Horizon Bleu serves great Italian food, and prides itself on the high quality of its service. The atmosphere is very friendly and it's a great choice for a reasonably priced evening meal.
Things to do in Skanes in October
Monastir is right on your doorstep, if you fancy doing some serious shopping. Take the train from the town centre, or book a taxi from your hotel. Monastir's Medina (Old Town) has been painstakingly restored and has, unfortunately, lost much of its authentic charm in the process. However, it's still a lovely place to explore, and the shopping opportunities within the souk streets are endless with plenty of handmade ceramics, woodwork, silverware and leather work on display.
The historic village of Sidi Bou Said (otherwise known as the Blue and White Village) makes a wonderful day trip. Originally a place of pilgrimage for visitors to the tomb of the 13th-century Sufi holy man (from whom it takes its name), the village is enchantingly pretty. Wander through the labyrinth of winding streets, or visit the Rue Dr Habib bazaar to do a little shopping. The craft stalls and shops sell an array of jewellery, aromatic oils, inlaid boxes, brassware, ornate bird-cages and leatherwork of all sorts. Don't miss the bonbalouni stall, selling the village's delicious traditional sugar-coated doughnuts
Tunis, the capital city, is situated on a large Mediterranean Sea gulf (the Gulf of Tunis), with the city spread out along the coastal plain and over the surrounding hills. It's well worth a visit, once you've exhausted the attractions of Skanes and Monastir. The Clock Tower, located about half way along Avenue Habib Bourguiba, stands in the middle of a busy roundabout known as Place du 7 Novembre 1987. It's named after President Zine el-Abidine ben Ali, who seized power in a bloodless coup on that date from Tunisia's first ruler..
